The Lake of the Ozarks Shootout is about six weeks away, and this year marks the 25th anniversary of the popular boat race.

The Shootout has grown to 10 days of activities and events from Aug. 16-26 designed to help raise funds for various lake-area rescue agencies and charities. Actual race dates are Aug. 24-25.

One significant change this year will be the location of the popular Meet and Greet event when residents and visitors can get an up-close-and-personal look at the race boats and their rigs.

The venue was moved from Lake Ozark to the Laurie Hillbilly Fairgrounds after Lake Ozark city officials and bar owners on The Strip could not reach agreement on lifting the open container law.

Shootout coordinator Ron Duggan said Osage Beach and Camdenton are also very interested in hosting the event, but Shootout officials and officials from those communities could not get open container issues resolved in time for this year’s event. He said they would continue to work with both communities.

The Meet and Greet will be held from noon to 10 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 21, at the Hillbilly Fairgrounds.

Upwards of 80 boats and rigs are expected at the Meet and Greet, and many vendors of various types will offer food, beverages, sportswear and other types of merchandise.

Vendor booth space is $100, not $200 as previously reported.

Duggan said more details would emerge as the Aug. 16-25 event grows closer. Actual race days are Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 24-25.